EAGER: Asynchronous Regulation of Backup Circuits as a Strategy for Survival in Fluctuating Environments

基因复制在几乎所有的谱系中都可以观察到，并且复制基因在基因表达的调控中可以发挥重要作用。该项目将结合实验和数学方法来研究重复基因是否有助于生物体适应不断变化的环境条件的能力，以及在不同环境条件下的选择是否可以保持具有冗余功能的重复基因。与酵母合作，该项目将表征冗余葡萄糖转运蛋白基因在环境条件下的调控动力学，并研究异步调控冗余基因的适应性后果。该项目将为未来研究冗余基因拷贝的异步调控作用建立方法和经验基础。该研究的重点是葡萄糖转运的基因和代谢途径，葡萄糖转运是一般生物体的一个非常重要的过程。这项研究有可能改变人们对基因复制在进化中的作用以及适应不断变化的环境条件的基础的理解。学生将接受跨学科研究企业的培训，研究将为教学和推广提供信息。

Gene duplication is observed in virtually all lineages, and duplicate genes can play significant roles in regulation of gene expression. This project will integrate experimental and mathematical approaches to examine whether duplicate genes contribute to the ability of organisms to adapt to changing environmental conditions and whether selection in varying environmental conditions can maintain duplicate genes with redundant function. Working with yeast, the project will characterize regulatory dynamics of redundant glucose transporter genes in response to environmental conditions and examine the fitness consequences of asynchronously regulated redundant genes. This project will develop methodological and empirical bases for future research on the role of asynchronous regulation of redundant gene copies. The research focuses on the genes and metabolic pathways that underlie glucose transport, a highly important process for organisms in general. The research has the potential to transform understanding of the role of gene duplication in evolution and of the basis of adaptation to changing environmental conditions. A student will receive training in an interdisciplinary research enterprise, and the research will inform teaching and outreach.